travellers' checks

Sunday, 06 May, 2007, 12:00am

with Stephen McCarty

Finer dining

The new Maldivian resort of Naladhu has wasted no time in devising ways to entice travellers, creating a Culinary Journey package that 'offers an indulgent foray into exquisite fine dining, where each day provides a unique, romantic and memorable culinary experience'. It sounds extravagant, and it is: guests may dine on the deck of their house in a private dining sala, in the Living Room restaurant, aboard Naladhu's traditional dhoni (sailing boat) or on the Wave Breaker dining platform floating on the Indian Ocean lagoon embracing the resort. And if those options don't sound sufficiently indulgent there is always the property's private island for two, with its Arabian-style tent and oversized cushions. Whatever the chosen venue, the resort's top chef will personally consult guests on the creation of the menu.

The Culinary Journey Package includes five nights in a Naladhu Ocean House, round-trip speedboat airport transfers, breakfast served by the house master, a hands-on cooking class and four 'intimate dining affairs'. The Thai and fusion cooking lesson is conducted by Naladhu's international culinary team. The Naladhu Culinary Journey costs a hefty US$11,000 (excluding tax) for single or double occupancy. See www.naladhu.com[1] for more information.

Annual event

To celebrate Qatar Airways' first anniversary of operations on its Hong Kong route, the airline is offering a sumptuous three-day, twonight break in Doha, capital of Qatar. One of only four airlines in the world with a five-star ranking for service and all-round excellence as awarded by aviation watchdog Skytrax, Qatar Airways is rolling out the red carpet with return business-class flights, return airport limousine transfers, accommodation at a choice of three top-class hotels, including breakfast, and other inducements such as an inland sea safari and a Qatar tour, which takes in the Corniche, Dhow Harbour, the Equestrian Club and the falcon, fruit, vegetable and fish markets, plus a dinner cruise. But don't expect such luxuries to come cheap: prices start at HK$29,240, twin share. The offer is valid until May 31. For more information, call your travel agent or see www.qatarairways.com[2].

Deal of the week

Westminster Travel is selling a four-day, three-night package to Langkawi (above and below), Malaysia, from HK$2,650 a person, twin share. The hotel at this price is the City Bayview (www.holidaycity.com/city-bayview-langkawi[3]), with a wide range of more expensive properties also available, right up to the Four Seasons, for which the package price rises to HK$10,090. Round-trip, economy-class flights are with Malaysia Airlines, breakfast is included at some hotels and prices are valid until August 31. For further details and reservations call Westminster Travel on 2313 9800, or e-mail itravel@hkwtl.com[4], quoting tour code MHLGKGV2001.